Filming of 'House Of Cards' series three delayed over tax dispute

Filming on the third series of hit series House Of Cards has come to a standstill due to a dispute over tax between producers of the show and the state of Maryland.

The shutdown is expected to last until mid-June at the earliest as both sides negotiate further. It's reported the first series of the Kevin Spacey-starring political drama received $11 million (£6.6 million) in tax credits from the Maryland state government, the second series getting $15 million (£9 million). The production company behind the show, Media Rights Capital, is asking for another $15 million for the third season, but only half of that has been offered, with Maryland officials saying more money is impossible.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Maryland has spent more than $40 million (£24 million) in tax breaks for film and television production companies in order to entice them to film there, but they are running out of money. WSJ go on to say the show's production company sent a demanding letter to Mayland Government asking for the money. They are now threatening to break down the stage, sets and offices to set up in another state that can afford to keep them.

Charlie Goldstein, Media Rights Capital senior vice president has responded by saying that he wanted to make the state aware that they’re currently looking for other state in which to film on the "off chance that the legislation does not pass, or does not cover the amount of tax credits for which we would qualify".

Filming for the third season of House Of Cards was supposed to begin in early spring, but it is now being pushed back to mid-June. Meanwhile, the second season of the show is now available to view in full on the Netflix streaming service. It was recently revealed House Of Cards is the service's most-watched ever show.